Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree

The taxonomy and nosology of psychopathology are reviewed using the structure and guidelines of the current editions of both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) Manual. This course examines the disorders of infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Emphasis is placed upon differential diagnosis for the purposes of case formulation and treatment planning. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

This course assists the student in obtaining and demonstrating proficiency in basic helping skills associated with the practice of professional counseling and helping relationships. In addition, the course addresses the history, philosophy, and trends associated with the field of professional counseling. Personal characteristics influencing the helping process, as well as self-care strategies of the professional counselor are also explored in this course. Finally, in this course, students complete 100 hours of supervised practice, 45 hours of which must be direct service with clients/patients/consumers. A minimum of 10 hours of leading or co-leading group work is required prior to internship III. Prerequisites: Completion of all Foundational Coursework in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Permission of the Clinical Coordinator or designee, and proof of professional liability insurance. Students must be in good academic standing (3.0 cumulative GPA) to register for course.

This course provides students with grounding in the principles of group dynamics, group facilitation styles and approaches, and theories and methods of group counseling essential for a professional counselor in a multicultural society. In a workshop environment, students will develop the ability to assess how their own methods and the dynamics of group interaction facilitate cognitive, emotional and behavioral change. Students are provided with a minimum of ten hours of group experience, with at least one hour of group facilitation experience. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

This course explores how cultural factors, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, and disability status, shape, inform, and impact minority populations, marginalized populations, diverse groups, and dominant culture. Experiential methods of learning are emphasized, including the development of self-awareness in the counselor, along with an appreciation for the experiences of others from different backgrounds and experiences. Traditional counseling theories, as well as more recent approaches to counseling diverse groups, are analyzed for ethical and practical implications including their integration into assessment, diagnosis, and treatment issues. The counselor’s role in addressing advocacy and justice is explored including issues of power and privilege. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher, or concurrent enrollment with MCC 540, or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

This course provides counselors in training with an overview of the addictive process and the practice of addiction counseling. Students develop conceptual knowledge, practical skills, and self-awareness concerning the etiology of addiction and its impact across the life-span. Models of addiction and professional issues in Addiction Counseling such as co-occurring disorders, process addictions, and mental illnesses are addressed. Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of addictions with diversity and advocacy issues are also explored. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

This course introduces students to the theories of career development as well as the assessment tools and counselor practices associated with helping clients achieve congruence in their career development pattern. Students explore interrelationships between factors such as age, gender, family, life roles, and multicultural issues as they relate to career and educational planning. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

This course introduces students to a broad range of theoretical approaches and interventions in the field of couples and family counseling with an emphasis on the systemic and relational components commonly associated in working with couples and families. The impact of societal changes, trauma, and mental health disorders on the family system are studied. Theories and models of couple and family resilience as well as the promotion of wellness over the family life span are introduced. Knowledge of how to effectively counsel couples and families, including problem identification, treatment planning, intervention, family wellness education, and relapse prevention are emphasized. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

This course is designed to help students understand the theory and practice of counseling individuals, groups, and/or families in response to a crisis or traumatic event. Students will be able to understand the principles of intervention as well as the impact of crisis, traumatic stress, natural disasters and other trauma causing events on people. Students will also be able to demonstrate the ability for assessing and managing suicide risk. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

This course builds upon foundational and advanced coursework reinforcing the applied aspect of counseling skills, techniques, and evidenced-based intervention. Topics include case conceptualization, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, termination, and documentation. Students examine and discern how personal counselor characteristics, belief systems, bias, and attitudes influence the overall therapeutic process; and, students discuss effective strategies for monitoring and managing these issues. Students demonstrate the successful use of counseling skills and techniques appropriate for varying client issues, needs, and situations. Prerequisite: MCC 600 and Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

An examination of the evidence-based understanding of both normal and disordered mental states are conducted. The etiology, development, manifestation, and potential treatment of mental disorders in infants, children, adolescents, and adults are emphasized. Current theoretical and evidence-based models are explored including bio-medical, behavioral, cognitive, developmental, humanistic, interpersonal, psychoanalytic, and trait models. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

This overview and introduction to the role and function of the central nervous system in psychopathology, and its pharmaceutical treatment, prepare the mental health professional to both have a basic understanding of psychopharmacology, and to work with prescribing physicians to maximize the effectiveness of medication, and to quickly detect adverse effects. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

Treatment methods for children and adolescents, both historical and those that are well established and/or based upon evidentiary support are reviewed. The applications of specific techniques are examined with respect to specific diagnoses and practice in their application is provided. Included are cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior modification, token economy programs, parent training programs, and play therapy. The pros and cons of “manualized treatment” for children and adolescents are examined as are concerns regarding ethics and multicultural issues with respect to children and adolescents. This course is one of three elective courses that can be used to meet clinical counseling degree requirements. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

This course is designed for counseling and human service professionals whose work bring them into contact with clients experiencing problems and concerns with their sexuality. Information about human sexuality across the lifespan is included. The course is designed to develop: a) students’ knowledge base related to human sexuality, b) an understanding of the varied sexuality issues which may be encountered in professional counseling practice, c) students’ skills in assessment and intervention techniques with sexuality issues, and d) increased awareness of one’s personal perceptions, attitudes and affect related to sexuality issues. Course participants become more effective in identifying, assessing and intervening with human sexuality related clinical counseling issues. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

This course focuses on the Orthodox Jewish theoretical perspectives on mental health services. It includes the Jewish ethical and religious view of the community and its leadership in relation to mental health services. It serves to increase the awareness and understanding of the unique mental health issues and needs of the community. It studies the community’s prevalent mental health disorders and social ills. It discusses the community barriers toward the acceptance and accessibility of services. It highlights the essential role of the Orthodox Jewish counselor in prevention, assessment and treatment. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

Required at the first available term after enrollment. Residency I provides an orientation to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. This orientation reviews information about the requirements and expectations of the program, including adherence to: the student handbook, the ACA Code of Ethics, personal and professional dispositions; and eligibility & requirements for professional counseling licensure. Students will have instruction on: advocacy, professional organization membership, and self-care, self-awareness, and self-evaluation strategies to be used throughout the program. Students will be introduced to university support services, including the library, writing center, student coaching, and use of technology.

Successful completion is required prior to registration for Internship I. Residency II focuses on advanced counseling skill development in relation to serving clients in the clinical sequence. This residency includes training on: Counseling roles and service delivery modalities, ethical and legal issues in counseling relationships, culturally responsive counseling practices, and the use of technology in counseling. Students will have additional instruction on: suicide prevention and intervention, risk assessment, procedures for identifying and reporting abuse and neglect, and understanding the role of psychopharmacological interventions. Finally, practicum and internship requirements and expectations will be addressed. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundational courses.

The Internship is an advanced clinical, experiential course designed to strengthen students’ skills and understanding of the practice of clinical mental health counseling through supervised practice. In this course, students complete 200 hours of supervised practice, 85 hours of which must be direct service with clients/patients/consumers. A minimum of 10 hours of leading or co-leading groupwork is required prior to Internship III. Additionally, students attend weekly class led by Program Faculty designed to deepen their learning and growth at the Internship site. Prerequisites: Successful completion of MCC 600, 605, 610, and 670, Permission of the Clinical Coordinator or designee, proof of professional liability insurance, and completion of Residency II. Students must be in good academic standing (3.0 cumulative GPA) to register for course.

The Internship is an advanced clinical, experiential course designed to strengthen students’ skills and understanding of the practice of clinical mental health counseling through supervised practice. In this course, students complete 200 hours of supervised practice, 85 hours of which must be direct service with clients/patients/consumers. A minimum of 10 hours of leading or co-leading groupwork is required prior to Internship III. Additionally, students attend weekly class led by Program Faculty designed to deepen their learning and growth at the Internship site. Prerequisites: Successful completion of MCC 691, Permission of the Clinical Coordinator or designee, and proof of professional liability insurance. Students must be in good academic standing (3.0 cumulative GPA) to register for course.

The Internship is an advanced clinical, experiential course designed to strengthen students’ skills and understanding of the practice of clinical mental health counseling through supervised practice. In this course, students complete 200 hours of supervised practice, forty-percent of the hours must be direct service with clients/patients/consumers. A minimum of 10 hours of leading or co-leading groupwork is required prior to Internship III. Additionally, students attend weekly class led by Program Faculty designed to deepen their learning and growth at the Internship site. Prerequisites: Successful completion of MCC692, Permission of the Clinical Coordinator or designee, and proof of professional liability insurance.

The Internship is an advanced clinical, experiential course designed to strengthen students’ skills and understanding of the practice of clinical mental health counseling through supervised practice. In this course, students complete a minimum of 200 hours of supervised practice, forty-percent of the hours must be direct service with clients/patients/consumers. Additionally, students attend weekly class led by Program Faculty designed to deepen their learning and growth at the Internship site. Prerequisites: Successful completion of MCC 693, Permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director and Clinical Coordinator or designee, and proof of professional liability insurance. Students must be in good academic standing (3.0 cumulative GPA) to register for course.